Kanamarayathu

Kanamarayathu

Year: 1984

Runtime: 137 mins

Language: Malayalam

Director: I V Sasi

Romance

The film adapts Jean Webster’s novel Daddy‑Long‑Legs. An orphan girl, Shobhana, receives a college scholarship from an anonymous benefactor played by Mammootty. She writes him letters, and when they finally meet he recognises her from the details she shares yet he does not reveal his identity. Conveniently, she is a classmate of his niece or sister, portrayed by Sabitha Anand, which eases their interactions.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Kanamarayathu (1984)

Trace every key event in Kanamarayathu (1984) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sherly's sponsorship passes to Roy

An orphan named Sherly is sponsored by an elderly man who supports her education and life. After the man's death, the sponsorship passes to his son Roy, a wealthy businessman, though Sherly does not know that he is her sponsor. The bond between donor and beneficiary remains a mystery at this stage.

2

Sherly enters city college; Baby meets Roy

Sherly arrives at a college in the city where she befriends Mercy, Roy's niece. Alex introduces his brother Baby to Roy, and Roy arranges for Baby to start working in his firm. The two men begin to influence Sherly and her circle in different ways.

City college
3

Mercy's party and the first spark

At Mercy's birthday party, Baby meets Sherly and immediately falls in love. Sherly, unaware of Roy's true identity as her sponsor, is drawn to Roy's presence and starts developing feelings for him instead. The love triangle begins to take shape.

Mercy's party
4

Roy's concealed affection

Roy is secretly in love with Sherly but keeps his feelings hidden due to their age difference. He does not reveal his true status as her sponsor at this point. Sherly remains unaware of his deeper connection to her.

5

Baby's lie about Roy and Elsie

Baby confuses Sherly by fabricating a story that Roy and Elsie were in love for a long time and could not marry because of Roy's father. The lie sows seeds of doubt about Sherly's understanding of Roy and fuels tensions in the group.

Mercy's party circle
6

Sherly lies to Elsie about being pregnant

In a fit of frustration, Sherly tells Elsie that she is pregnant with Roy's child. Elsie is shocked and goes to Roy's office to confront him about the rumor. Roy tells her that the claim is false and that he is not involved.

Elsie's home / Roy's office
7

Roy confronts Sherly about the lie

Roy calls Sherly to his office and shouts at her, thinking the pregnancy rumor is true. Sherly confesses that she lied to test his love and to prove she cannot live without him. She also reveals that her feelings for him are genuine.

Roy's office
8

Mother Superior discusses Italy and the nun path

The Mother Superior informs Roy that Sherly will be sent to Italy to learn music and that she is allowed to become a nun. This news pushes Sherly toward a religious life as a form of gratitude and a way to leave her current circumstances behind.

Convent
9

Sherly decides to become a nun and leaves for Italy

On the Mother Superior's advice, Sherly decides to become a nun, even though she does not want to. She prepares to depart for Italy to pursue music and a new path away from those who love her. The decision marks a turning point in her relationship with Roy and Baby.

Convent / Italy
10

Final meeting before departure

In a final meeting, Sherly tells Roy that she cannot see him anymore and also reveals to Baby that she is an orphan and will become a nun. Baby still wishes to marry her, but she confesses that she loves Roy. The moment highlights the irreconcilable choices she faces.

Sherly's last meeting with Roy and Baby
11

Baby confronts Roy again

In a fit of anger, Baby goes to Roy's office and shouts at him for his role in Sherly's decision to part ways with him. The confrontation underscores the tension between the two men and Sherly's fate.

Roy's office
12

Sponsor meeting arranged; Roy resists revealing him

Mother Superior informs Roy that Sherly's sponsor wishes to meet her before she departs. Roy resists, refusing to disclose the sponsor or arrange a meeting. He passes along a letter from Sherly and leaves.

Convent / Mother Superior's office
13

Sherly's sponsor revealed; Roy waits in the corridor

Just before departure, Sherly learns that her sponsor will meet her. She rushes to the orphanage corridor and finds Roy waiting there, implying that Roy is the sponsor who has blessed her life all along.

Just before departure Orphanage corridor

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:28

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